I am rooting for Trump on this one, but it’s really all up to Putin.
Talks Yield No Breakthrough Just Praise
Bloomberg reports Trump Praises Zelenskiy After Talks That Yielded No Breakthrough
President Donald Trump said he made “a lot of progress” in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy over a possible peace deal, but that it might take a few weeks to get it done and there’s no set timeline.
The pair met at the US president’s Mar-a-Lago resort Sunday, where they had lunch and later spoke on the phone with a group of European leaders to brief them on their progress.
The tone of their news conference after the meeting was warm, even as it became clear that Trump isn’t much closer to his goal of ending the war that began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.
“We discussed all the aspects of the peace framework,” Zelenskiy said, standing next to Trump, saying it’s “90% agreed.” He added, “US-Ukraine security guarantees, 100% agreed. US, Europe, Ukraine security guarantees, almost agreed. Military dimension, 100% agreed. Prosperity plan being finalized.”
Among the major sticking points left to be resolved: the future of Ukraine’s Donbas region, which is partially occupied by Russian forces. Trump told reporters the issue was still unresolved, but “getting a lot closer.”
Trump said he would be willing to speak to Ukraine’s parliament if that would help cement a deal. He also said he could envision a trilateral meeting with Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I see that happening, sure, at the right time,” he said.
Ahead of the meeting, Trump said he held a “good and very productive” phone call with Putin and that he planned to speak with him again after meeting Zelenskiy.
The US president said he is aiming to convene a meeting with Zelenskiy and European leaders in January. Zelenskiy wrote later in a post on X that the meeting will take place in Washington.
On Sunday, Trump and Zelenskiy spoke on the phone with a group of European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“We agree that security guarantees is a key milestone in achieving lasting peace, and our teams will continue working on all aspects,” Zelenskiy said.
Trump said Europe would take over a big part of the security guarantees for Ukraine.
“You know, they’re right there, but we’re going to help Europe 100%, like they’d help us,” he said.
Any Closer to Peace?
I disagree with the Bloomberg assessment that we are no closer to peace than in 2022.
Zelensky is willing to trade land for peace. And Trump is offering security guarantees. However, security guarantees by Trump will need Congressional signoffs and most likely cooperation from Europe.
What I think has happened is Trump is desperate for a victory somewhere given plunging polls. That changes the dynamic. Whether Russia is willing to cooperate is another matter.
Yet, I don’t think we would be in this spot if Trump was not battling consumer sentiment, inflation, and polls.
The big one for Ukraine is agreement to discuss land for peace. None of this was in place last year, let alone 2022.
But closer does not mean close. I don’t know where we are from a practical standpoint other than to say everyone is in the same room. That’s a necessary but insufficient requirement. But it is progress.
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On December 15, I noted Only 56 Percent of Republicans Say the Economy Is Good
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Trump is desperate for some good news.
Zelensky was wise to take advantage. And he avoided a horrible deal that Trump initially demanded.
